Ferragosto in South Tyrol: the Assumption of Mary, Hochunserfrauentag and summer at Hohenwart
A feast day between north and south
In South Tyrol, 15 August has more than one name. It falls in the heart of the summer holidays, just when the season reaches its height. In Italy, it is Ferragosto, the great feast day of high summer. In the Catholic tradition, it is the Assumption of Mary. In German speaking South Tyrol, the day is also known as “Hochunserfrauentag”.
Already in these three names, much of South Tyrol can be felt: Italian summer ease, a church feast day, a rural custom shaped over generations. A day between north and south, between alpine roots and Mediterranean lightness.
Hohenwart lies precisely at this meeting point. In Schenna above Merano, with views of the mountains and yet close to the southern warmth of Merano and environs. Here, the alpine and the Mediterranean do not simply stand side by side. They belong together: in the landscape, in the cuisine, in the garden, on the terrace, and in the way celebrations are lived.
Ferragosto: from Roman feast to Italian summer holiday
The word Ferragosto goes back to the Roman Feriae Augusti, the holidays of Emperor Augustus. Later, the day became linked with the Christian feast of the Assumption of Mary on August 15 . Today, Ferragosto is the very image of high summer in Italy: a day for family, outings, shared meals and a pause in the middle of August. For many, it falls in the heart of the summer holidays and becomes a cherished part of their time away.
In South Tyrol, this day takes on its own particular character. It is not only an Italian summer holiday, but also a religious and cultural day deeply rooted in the region. That is exactly what makes it interesting. Ferragosto here is not merely a lively summer celebration, but a day on which different traditions come together.
Hochunserfrauentag in South Tyrol
As the Assumption of Mary, August 15 is one of the most important Marian feasts in the church year. In many places in South Tyrol, the day is celebrated as Hochunserfrauentag. One particularly beautiful custom is the blessing of herbs, that, in turn, are associated with protection, healing and gratitude.
The origin of the custom is often explained through the legend that, when Mary’s tomb was opened, her body was no longer there and flowers were found instead. On Hochunserfrauentag, bunches of plants, blossoms and medicinal herbs are therefore carried into church. It is a ritual that says much about South Tyrol and its faith, rural knowledge and closeness to nature.
At Hohenwart, we do not celebrate the blessing of herbs in the traditional sense. Yet the idea of plants and their healing qualities has its place here too. In the VistaSpa, for example, with an arnica and St John’s wort body wrap on the quartz sand lounger. The soothing warmth gently opens the pores, allowing precious essences to unfold their effect. Arnica and St John’s wort have long been valued when the body seeks recovery and release. Afterwards, a relaxing massage brings calm and renewed lightness.
Ferragosto at Hohenwart
At Hohenwart, we celebrate Ferragosto with a festive buffet on our Bellavista terrace. For many guests, this evening is a special moment in their summer holiday in Schenna. From here, the view opens onto the historic centre of Schenna, Schenna Castle, the church hill and the surrounding mountains. It is a place made for this day: open, sunny, spacious and yet close to the village.
Regional delicacies and festive specialities are served in an atmosphere that brings two qualities together: the generosity of a summer feast day and the ease of the south. Especially for families, it becomes an evening where everyone comes together: uncomplicated, festive and with plenty of room for shared enjoyment.
The height of summer
Ferragosto also marks the height of summer and with it that time when a holiday in South Tyrol becomes especially varied. The days are warm, the evenings long, the mountains clear. Those who would like to begin the day actively will find many possibilities around Merano and environs.
For experienced hikers, Monte Luco, also known as Großer Laugen, is an impressive summit hike. From the Gampen Pass, the moderately difficult route first leads to the Laugenalm and then further up to the ridge. Those who wish can make a short detour to Lake Laugensee, which lies picturesquely in the hollow between Monte Luco Grande and Monte Luco Piccolo. From there, the path continues along the ridge to the summit at over 2,400 metres. The hike requires fitness and sure footedness, but rewards you with a 360 degree view over South Tyrol and the possibility of a stop at the Laugenalm.
Those who would rather experience the high mountains at a gentler pace will find a wonderful alternative in the Ultimo Valley, with the circular walk from Lake Fontana Bianca via Lake Fischersee to the Fiecht Alm. This easy route leads through Stelvio National Park, takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes and opens up a landscape that feels both quiet and powerful with waterflows, rock, larches, vast open spaces. Almost like a natural scene from another world. The Fiecht Alm is a beautiful destination for anyone who wants to feel high summer in the mountains without turning the day into a major summit hike.
And afterwards? A cooling dip in the pool, a quiet afternoon in the garden, a spa moment with arnica and St John’s wort or a mild evening on the terrace. Ferragosto at Hohenwart is exactly that: a day of high summer on holiday, between mountains and the south, between feast day and tranquility, between tradition and lightness.
A day that tells of South Tyrol
Perhaps Ferragosto at Hohenwart feels so fitting because the day itself tells so much of South Tyrol. It is Italian and alpine, religious and summery, festive and close to nature. It carries history within it and, at the same time, that unmistakable feeling of August: warm air, ripening landscapes, bright mountains and long evenings.
At Hohenwart, it becomes a day on which you sense how naturally cultures come together here. On the Bellavista terrace, with views of Schenna and the mountains, with regional flavour, Mediterranean ease and a place that lasts.